10 things customers want on a SMALL BUSINESS WEBSITE

Economic Times, 6th September 2010.

1.Faster download: If you have a form to be downloaded, make sure it happens fast. And fast means 20 seconds flat

2.Clarity of what is on offer: Be clear not only in words but in visuals as well. Most people emote better with visuals than with words

3.Ease and speed of navigation: Signals of what to look for where should be clear. Even 60 seconds of visual search is considered wasteful time on the Web. Web patience of surfers is very short

4.Easy colours and fonts: Not burden the surfers already harassed eyes with too many colours. Use font sizes that are simple and legible. Fancy fonts are not necessary at all

5.Clear comparisons: You would do well to put up comparative statements of
product, price & service up-front

6.Product or service guarantee: Customers must be able to trust you

7.Returns policy: Be up-front in what you say. If you believe you will not take any returns, say so up-front

8.An integrity statement: Buyers like to deal with honest people

9.A human face to contact: Put up the face of someone on the website for sure. In this day of hard-tech, it is refreshing to see a face to connect with

10.A delivery promise: If you are able to make a promise here and keep it, you will go places